Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the second half at LP Field. Tennessee won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles released DeSean Jackson today, but he isn’t the only big-named skill position player who is set to be released, as Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson looks like the next guy to get the ax. Johnson has always been a strong cap casualty, and the rumors regarding CJ0K have started since during the season. Progress hasn’t been made on a paycut, as Johnson’s $8 million salary for the 2014 and 2015 seasons is simply untenable; the Titans are clearly in the market for a top RB like Tre Mason in the draft.
CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Titans will “very likely” cut ties with Chris Johnson next week, and he adds that the Titans have failed in their attempts to trade him. This isn’t a surprise at all, since 28-year-old running backs making a ridiculous amount of money are rarely in high demand, especially if they averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last year.
Johnson is a very talented back who could get back to his explosive self with a change of scenery, but he averaged under four yards per carry last season despite having better blocking and a better passing game. It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of a deal he fetches, as La Canfora reports that there will be “strong interest” in the feature back. At the right price (a prove-it deal or a deal with incentives), Johnson could be a great get for an RB-needy team. His time in Tennessee is up, and the writing has been on the wall for a while; keep a close eye out for official word of a parting of ways, as it would be beyond shocking for the Titans to keep him around